Warner Bros. Staffs Up International Production Unit

BURBANK: Warner Bros. International Television Distribution has appointed Andrew Zein, previously managing director of Tiger Aspect Productions, to fill a senior creative and format sales role in its international production unit, which was established in August.

The new division is tasked with acquiring or establishing outlets in major territories that will create locally produced versions of the studio’s shows as well as develop original content. Ronald Goes heads the division as executive VP and head of international television production. Zein, as senior VP of creative, format development and sales, reports to Goes. Based in London, he will oversee all operations related to the development and production of programming for the unit throughout the world, and will also be part of the core team, identifying production companies for possible acquisition by WBITD.

Goes said of Zein’s appointment: “The experience that he brings to our group after many years as a hands-on producer and as managing director of Tiger Aspect will be invaluable. He has sharp creative instincts and is a growth-oriented business strategist, the perfect skill set for our new venture. I can’t wait to begin working with him.”

WBITD has also retained the services of Oege Boonstra and his consulting firm, Boonstra Management, to focus on the business and strategic aspects of its international production venture.

Jeffrey R. Schlesinger, the president of Warner Bros. International Television, noted: “The combination of these three experienced, well-respected executives should enable us to efficiently and effectively enter this business and achieve our goals. We have put together a first-class team which should clearly indicate to the community that we are very serious about building this business and should make us a very attractive home for many talented producers and companies operating in individual territories that can see a benefit to becoming part of a larger group anchored by one of the most successful television production studios."